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ALTON — More than six decades after Donald A. Lovell began his career with the Alton Police Department, the department joined his family, friends, former colleagues and community members Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, in Alton to say a final farewell as he was laid to rest. Lovell, a former Alton police chief, died Aug. 20, 2026, at age 85. He was honored for decades of service to the Alton Police Department and the people of Alton. The Alton Police Department extended its deepest condolences

ALTON - State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) has secured $95,000 in state funding for the City of Alton to support road improvements and new equipment for the Alton Police Department. “Roads and public safety are basic services our communities depend on every day,” said Senator Harriss. “I am proud to bring these dollars back to Alton and help the city move forward with these projects.” Of the funding, $75,000 will support two road improvement projects in Alton

GLEN CARBON – Glen Carbon Mayor Bob Marcus thanked local agencies and organizations for helping rescue multiple dogs from a village residence in what the mayor called a rare and “horrific tragedy.” At the Aug. 25, 2026 Village Board meeting, Marcus thanked members of the Glen Carbon Police Department, Building and Zoning Department and village staff for their assistance in recovering over 20 dogs from inside a home on Glen Carbon Road, including some that were found dead. “This

BETHALTO — Grady Farrell, a member of the Civic Memorial High School Class of 2027, has continued to make an impact for the Eagles in Bethalto through contributions in football, basketball, and track and field. Farrell, a wide receiver and defensive back, opened the 2026 football season as one of Civic Memorial’s top playmakers in a 36-26 victory over Newton this past Friday night. He caught three touchdown passes from quarterback Luke Clouser and finished with 134 receiving yards

CHICAGO — During the JB for Governor Fighting for You Tour, Governor JB Pritzker and lieutenant gubernatorial candidate Christian Mitchell held a “Standing Up for Workers” rally with Painters District Council #14 and other union members. Gov. Pritzker’s remarks were as follows: AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY GOVERNOR JB PRITZKER'S STANDING UP FOR WORKERS REMARKS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026 Good morning to the men and women of organized labor! So great to be here with you.

CHICAGO – In recent weeks, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) celebrated with its partners the grand opening of three residential senior developments located in northern, central, and southern Illinois that received IHDA funding. These developments collectively supply more than 160 affordable housing units, enabling Illinoisians to remain within their communities they call home. The three developments will provide much-needed rental options in regions that have experienced

ST. LOUIS — A 24-year-old man identified as Taron Exum died after an early morning shooting on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, in the 4300 block of Cottage Ave., where District 5 officers found him wounded in a parking lot after responding to a shooting call. Officers responded at approximately 7:40 a.m. Sunday and located Exum on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound. He was not conscious and was struggling to breathe. EMS responded and took Exum to an area hospital, where he died

EAST ST. LOUIS - Bi-State Development and Metro Transit marked the completion of Metro Transit’s $62 million Secure Platform Plan at the Emerson Park MetroLink Station in East St. Louis this week. The project's key goal at all 38 MetroLink stations was safer stations and simpler ways for riders to pay. The Emerson Park MetroLink Station is located at 929 N. 15th St. in East St. Louis. The plan includes automated security gates, upgraded fencing and expanded closed-circuit television

CHICAGO — Chicago Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced an up to $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta Platforms Inc., which is among the largest state consumer protection settlements in history. In addition to the payment, Meta must implement significant safety features designed to protect children on Instagram and Facebook. The agreement, which is subject to court approval, resolves claims that the company designed its social media platforms with addictive features, knowingly

HARDIN – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place on Illinois 100 between Illinois 16 in Hardin and Illinois 96 in Kampsville beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, weather permitting, for pavement resurfacing. Flaggers will maintain two-way traffic. Work on the portion between Hardin and Kampsville is expected to be completed by the end of November. The remaining portion of the project is scheduled to begin and be completed

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) today announced its intent to phase out two work camps and two impact program facilities as part of its ongoing efforts to operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and better support its mission to promote public safety and rehabilitation. These facilities are the Clayton and Greene County Work Camps and Dixon Springs and DuQuoin Impact Programs. Of the four facilities identified for closure, only one – Clayton Work Camp – currentl

This Day in Music History: August 26 On Aug. 26, 1968, the Beatles released “Hey Jude” in the United States, backed with John Lennon’s hard-edged “Revolution.” It was the first single issued on the group’s own Apple label, a step that signaled the Beatles’ ambition to control more of their work as artists and entrepreneurs. The release also challenged pop-radio expectations: “Hey Jude” built from Paul McCartney’s intimate vocal and

On August 26, one of the most significant events in global history is the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in France in 1789. Written during the early months of the French Revolution, the document set out basic ideas about liberty, equality before the law, national sovereignty, and the rights of citizens. At the time, it challenged the old system of absolute monarchy and inherited privilege. Its influence spread far beyond France, shaping later constitutions,

Upcoming Events Bring Music, Markets and Community Fun The Riverbend area’s upcoming calendar offers community service, live music, outdoor programs, markets, festivals and family-friendly entertainment. For the complete calendar, visit RiverBender.com Events . Alton Block Party for Good returns Friday, Aug. 28, at Soulcial Square in Alton as Soulcial Kitchen continues its monthly community gathering. The free event offers access to the St. Louis Area Foodbank’s Food on the Mov

GLEN CARBON – A new restaurant is one step closer to being built in Glen Carbon. Trustees unanimously approved a final site plan for Longhorn Steakhouse in Orchard Town Center at their Aug. 25, 2026 Village Board meeting. This marks the latest dining option to be added to the development following Chick-fil-A , Olive Garden , Panda Express , Dutch Bros Coffee and Shake Shack . Village Administrator Jamie Bowden said the Longhorn site plan includes a full-service restaurant located

ALTON — Don Lovell, who served 30 years with the Alton Police Department as a chief and officer, died Aug. 20, 2026, in Jerseyville. He was 85. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said he had not had the pleasure of meeting Lovell personally, but shared comments from officers who worked with him. “In speaking with the police officers who worked for him, they all said he was a great man and did a good job as chief,” current Alton Police Chief Ford said. “The common theme

Richard and Wilma Stinnett of Alton are celebrating their 65th anniversary on Sept. 2, 2026. Richard Stinnett and Wilma Sauerwein were married Sept. 2, 1961, at Zion Lutheran Church in Bunker Hill. The Rev. Henry F. Peckman officiated their ceremony. Richard is engaged in farming and is retired from Laclede Steel Company. Wilma is a retired schoolteacher from the Alton School District. The couple has three children, Sean (Cheryl) Stinnett of Gillespie, Dan (Shelia) Marcrum of Alton and Seth

GRANITE CITY – State Senator Erica Harriss and State Representative Amy Elik are teaming up with over 50 local and state employers to host a free job fair in Granite City. Attendees are encouraged to bring plenty of resumes and dress for success. Friday, August 28 9:00AM – 1:00PM The Commons at SWIC (Sam Wolf Granite City Campus) 4950 Maryville Road, Granite City The event is free and open to the public. Employers include: 1st MidAmerica Credit Union Alton School District

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced the State of Illinois has been approved to receive $1.04 billion in funding through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program to support high-speed internet access statewide. The funding will connect approximately 350,000 residents through homes, businesses, and community institutions across Illinois by 2031. Between private investment, prior public funding,

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs on Tuesday applauded a new law that will allow him to make investments to build more affordable housing. Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law Senate Bill 3086 , which passed with bipartisan support in late May. The bill allows Treasurer Frerichs to invest in the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust, which focuses on building and preserving affordable and workforce housing, creating union construction jobs, and generating returns for investors